Itinerary
- Day 1
Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
Your first day covers the toughest stretch of the entire route - a 25km hike through the Pyrenees from Saint Jean Pied de Port climbing up to 1,400m elevation and back down to Roncesvalles. Plan for 7 to 9 hours of hiking, and you'll get great mountain views especially in the morning light. The Napoleon Route uses steep quiet country lanes, but if the weather looks sketchy, the Valcarlos Route provides a safer option instead.
- Start point
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France (Arrival)
Included Activities
- Trek the Napoleon Route or Valcarlos Route through the Pyrenees
- Luggage forwarding service via courier
Landmarks Saint Jean Pied de Port Pyrenees Roncesvalles - Day 2
Roncesvalles to Pamplona
Cycling 47.9km from Roncesvalles to Pamplona, you'll cross two mountain passes (Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro). Start by checking out the Chapel of St James or Royal Collegiate Church in Roncesvalles, then descend through Zubiri and arrive in Pamplona by afternoon. Along the way you'll cross several iconic bridges including the Rabies bridge at the start and La Magdalena bridge entering the city. Once there, grab some tapas and wine in this vibrant first major city on the route.
Included Activities
- Visit Chapel of St James or Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Roncesvalles
- Cycle through Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro mountain passes
- Cross Rabies bridge and La Magdalena bridge
Optional Activities
- Follow original Jacobean route away from Arja River
- Tapas and wine in Pamplona
- Visit Pamplona Cathedral
Landmarks Chapel of St James Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary Alto de Mezquiriz Alto de Erro Zubiri Rabies bridge La Magdalena bridge Pamplona Cathedral - Day 3
Pamplona to Logroño
This 94.9km cycle day takes you from Pamplona through countryside and busier roads, crossing the Alto del Perdon mountain pass for rewarding views along the way. After that you'll ride through crop fields and vineyards as you head toward La Rioja region, passing through villages like Puente la Reina and Estella (a good spot to grab coffee and cake). Later you'll see the remarkable 12th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre near Torres del Rio before finishing at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda in Logroño.
Included Activities
- Cross Alto del Perdon mountain pass
- Visit Church of San Miguel in Cizur Menor
- Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Torres del Rio
Optional Activities
- Coffee and cake stop in Estella
Landmarks Cizur Menor Church of San Miguel Alto del Perdon Puente la Reina Estella Azqueta Villamayor de Monjardin Torres del Rio Church of the Holy Sepulchre Hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo Bargota Viana Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda Ebro River - Day 4
Logroño to Belorado
Today's 79.1km cycle from Logroño takes you through La Rioja's vineyards and fruit trees, passing the La Granjera dam natural environment. You'll visit Navarrete, known for its pottery traditions, and catch views from the San Antón peak. After stopping at Santo Domingo to cross the Puente del Santo bridge and see the 16th-century churches there, you'll arrive at Belorado, a town with roots going back to Roman times.
Included Activities
- Pass through Navarrete with pottery tradition
- Cross Puente del Santo bridge over Rio Oja
- Visit Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
- Visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle
Landmarks La Granjera dam Navarrete San Antón peak Santo Domingo Puente del Santo Rio Oja Iglesia de San Juan Bautista Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Calle Belorado - Day 5
Belorado to Burgos
A shorter 47km cycle from Belorado to Burgos means you can start early and still have the afternoon to explore. Wander through Belorado's old town centre before heading out. By the time you reach Burgos, you'll have time to see this beautiful city known as the birthplace of El Cid and the Gothic capital of Spain. This is your second rest day, so take your time checking out the Cathedral, Historic Center, plazas, and museums at whatever pace feels right.
Included Activities
- Explore Belorado old town centre
- Visit Catedral de Burgos
- Explore Historic Center of Burgos
- Visit Plaza Mayor
- Visit Plaza del Mio Cid
- Visit Museo de Burgos
- Visit Puente de San Pablo
- Visit Hospital del Rey
Optional Activities
- Visit Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia
Landmarks Belorado Catedral de Burgos Historic Center of Burgos Plaza Mayor Plaza del Mio Cid Museo de Burgos Eremitorio de Presillas de Bricia Puente de San Pablo Hospital del Rey Arlanzón river - Day 6
Burgos to Carrión de los Condes
You have two route options for this 84km cycle from Burgos. The inland route takes about 5 hours while the road route is quicker at 3.5 hours. Leaving Burgos along well-marked paths through Villalbilla de Burgos and Tandajos (which has a 13th-century church), you'll pass Rabe de las Calzadas and the small village of Hornillos del Camino. Then comes the long flat stretches of La Meseta with very little shade or shelter, finishing at Carrión de los Condes (405km from Santiago).
Included Activities
- Cycle through La Meseta landscape
Landmarks Burgos Villalbilla de Burgos Tandajos Rabe de las Calzadas Hornillos del Camino Hontanas Carrión de los Condes La Meseta - Day 7
Carrión de los Condes to León
Today's short 22km cycle from Carrión de los Condes takes about 4 hours when you stop frequently to see points of interest along the way. Visit the Church of Santiago in Carrión to see its famous Romanesque frieze sculptures. After passing through Terradillos de los Templarios and Puente Villarente with its medieval 17-arch bridge, you'll reach Sahagún where you can get your halfway certificate. Continue through Mansilla de las Mulas with its walled enclave founded by King Ferdinand II, and end in León.
Included Activities
- Visit Church of Santiago in Carrión de los Condes
- Cross medieval bridge at Puente Villarente
- Visit Parish Church of San Pelayo in Puente Villarente
- Obtain halfway certificate (Compostella) at Sahagún
- Explore Mansilla de las Mulas walled enclave
Optional Activities
- Swimming in river at Mansilla de las Mulas (if warm enough)
Landmarks Carrión de los Condes Church of Santiago Terradillos de los Templarios Puente Villarente Parish Church of San Pelayo Sahagún Mansilla de las Mulas River Elsa N120 road Arcahueja León Puerta de Santiago Arco de los Concepcion - Day 8
León
This rest and relaxation day in León gives you time to explore a historic city filled with medieval heritage from when it was the capital of the Kingdom of León in the 10th to 12th centuries. Check out the Gothic cathedral with its spectacular stained-glass windows, the 11th-century Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore, and the old monastery (now a luxury hotel) that once lodged pilgrims. Sample local gastronomy at authentic tapas restaurants tucked into the narrow cobblestone streets.
Included Activities
- Explore León's historic monuments and medieval heritage
- Visit Gothic cathedral with stained-glass windows
- Visit Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore
- Visit historic old monastery (now luxury hotel)
Optional Activities
- Sample regional culinary specialties at authentic eateries
- Tapas dining in narrow cobblestone streets
Landmarks León Cathedral Collegiate Church of Saint Isidore Historic old monastery - Day 9
León to Astorga
Cycling 51km from León to Astorga takes about 3 hours with frequent stops to see things along the way. Follow the shell waymarks from León past the cathedral via San Marcos, then pick between a quieter route to Villar de Mazarife or the main N-120 parallel route. You'll pass through Hospital de Orbigo with its legendary Gothic bridge and medieval jousting heritage. Finish in beautiful Astorga with its lovely plaza, music, food, dancing, and historic cathedral.
Included Activities
- Cross Gothic bridge at Hospital de Orbigo
Optional Activities
- Visit Astorga Cathedral
- Explore Astorga plaza with music and dancing
Landmarks León Cathedral San Marcos Villar de Mazarife Hospital de Orbigo Orbigo River Astorga Astorga Cathedral - Day 10
Astorga to Ponferrada
Today's 62km cycle from Astorga to Ponferrada takes about 4 hours and passes through Foncebadon closely following the LE-142 motorway before reaching the famous Cruz de Fierro (Iron Cross) at 1,500m, the highest point on the Spanish side. Stop at Campo to see its Roman fountain and Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina. You'll finish in Ponferrada, the last major city before Santiago, with its fantastic 11th-century Templar Castle waiting to be explored.
Included Activities
- Cross Cruz de Fierro (Iron Cross) at 1,500m elevation
- Visit chapel of Santiago Apóstol at Cruz de Fierro
- Visit Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina in Campo
Optional Activities
- Visit Templar Castle in Ponferrada at discounted rate
- Visit Calle del Reloj with its tower
- Visit Plaza del Ayuntamiento with Town Hall
Landmarks Astorga Foncebadon Cruz de Fierro Chapel of Santiago Apóstol Campo Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encina Ponferrada Templar Castle Calle del Reloj Plaza del Ayuntamiento - Day 11
Ponferrada to Samos, Galicia
This challenging 88.9km cycle from Ponferrada to Samos takes 6.5 hours with 1,322m elevation gain. Head to the gorgeous mountain town of Villafranca del Bierzo, then tackle the second hardest climb of the route up to O Cebreiro (1,335m elevation). From Villafranca to O Cebreiro spans 29km with a grueling 600m final ascent, though you'll have two route options to choose from. After conquering the climb and exploring O Cebreiro's natural attractions, descend to finish at the important Monastery of Samos.
Included Activities
- Climb to O Cebreiro (1,335m, second hardest climb)
- Visit St. James church in Villafranca del Bierzo
Optional Activities
- Explore Sierra de O Courel
- Visit natural monument folding Campodola
- Explore O Cebreiro surroundings and natural attractions
Landmarks Ponferrada Villafranca del Bierzo St. James church Pereje Trabadelo O Cebreiro Sierra de O Courel Campodola Monastery of Samos Samos - Day 12
Samos to Palas del Rey, Galicia
Cycling 66.5km from Samos to Palas del Rey takes 5 hours with 1,016m elevation gain. You'll pass through beautiful countryside with chestnut trees, fieldstone rock fences, and moss-covered fields. After cycling through Sarria, a popular starting point for the final 100km Compostella option, you'll continue with elevation gains to reach Palas del Rey, a small, pretty town with local shops, bars, and cafes. This is when newer pilgrims join the route, creating a noticeable culture shift as you approach the final stretch.
Included Activities
- Cycle through Samos to Ferreiros section
Optional Activities
- Visit Sarria (popular 100km starting point)
Landmarks Samos Ferreiros Sarria Palas del Rey - Day 13
Palas del Rey to Santiago de Compostela
The final 68km from Palas del Rey to Santiago de Compostela takes about 4 hours and passes through medieval villages, local chapels, and cross-arched stone bridges in flat, smooth landscape. You'll cycle through oak and eucalyptus forest near Melide where the Camino Primitivo joins your route. Continue through Arzua, the last large town before Santiago, then pass through hamlets including Santa Irene with its 18th-century chapel. Climb to Monte del Gozo for your first glimpse of Santiago Cathedral, then an easy final descent to the Cathedral of Saint James.
Included Activities
- Cycle through medieval villages and local chapels
- Cross-arched stone bridges
- Pass through oak and eucalyptus forest
- Visit Arzua (last large town)
Optional Activities
- Stop at Santa Irene 18th-century chapel
- Visit Monte del Gozo (Mount of Joy) for first view of Cathedral
Landmarks Palas del Rey Melide Arzua Church of St James Convent of La Magdalena Santa Irene Arca do Pino Amenal Labacolla Parish Church of Sabugueira Monte del Gozo San Marcos Santiago de Compostela Santiago Cathedral - Day 14
Santiago de Compostela
Your final day in Santiago de Compostela is time to rest and relax before exploring and celebrating your achievement. Take time visiting the Cathedral, attending a religious service if you like, and enjoying food and wine celebrations with other pilgrims. This day marks the end of your journey and gives you time to prepare for your departure home.
- End point
- Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain (Departure)
Included Activities
- Visit Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Food and wine celebrations
- Rest and relaxation
Landmarks Santiago Cathedral Santiago de Compostela
